The Great Book of Texas: The Crazy History of Texas with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia: 1 (A Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the United States)

Author Bill O’Neill loves to explore all manner of subjects from reiku to trivia. His previous Book 1 of War Books covered World War II, and that was followed by his controversial Trivia Book on the Vietnam War. Bill O’Neill has authored many books on trivia and random facts and stands as somewhat of an expert in this field! His topics include movies, football, baseball, rock music, simply random trivia facts, and now - the history of Texas (and the fun behind the facts).Bill's sense of humor is evident in his Introduction – ‘How much do you really know about Texas? Sure, you know that Texas is a state that’s chock full of state pride. You know that it’s an oil state and is home to the Dallas Cowboys. But what else do you really know about it? By now, you’ve most likely heard about the Texas Revolution and the Battle of the Alamo. You probably know of Davy Crockett and you may have even heard that he died during the Battle of the Alamo, but do you know what really happened to him? Have you ever wondered how Texas came to be known as the Lone Star State? Do you know who first discovered Texas? Do you know how many different flags have flown over Texas? You’ve heard of Bush family legacy, but do you know which United States presidents were actually born in Texas? Do you know about some of the paranormal folklore and unsolved mysteries of the state? Are you aware of odd sci-fi phenomenon that is believed to have occurred here? If you have ever wondered about any of these things or more, then this book is for you! It’s full of stories about Texas’s history. This isn’t your typical book about Texas. It will guide you through some of the historical events and facts that have formed Texas into the incredible state it is today. You’ll learn facts about the state that you may have never even wondered about. Once you’ve finished this book, you are going to know all there is to know about Texas. Texas is a state that’s rich in its history and culture. We will go all the way back to when the state was first founded and when it gained its independence from Mexico. We’ll also jump forward to 2018 and take a closer look at some of the more recent historical icons whose roots were planted in Texas. While this book will mostly follow a timeline of historical events, we will jump around some as we talk about Texas’s history and other interesting facts about the state and the people who live in it. This book is broken up into three easy-to-follow chapters to help you gain a better understanding of the Lone Star State. You’ll learn some interesting facts about Texas that you’ll be able to discuss with your friends or that may even make you want to visit this state! Some of the facts you’re about to learn are sad and some of them are shocking, but all of them are fascinating. So, get ready to learn the following… How did Texas get its name? Why is it nicknamed the Lone Star State? Who were the key players in the Battle of the Alamo? Which Disney childhood stars came from Texas? What sporting events got their start in Texas? What animal did farmers and ranchers intentionally try to kill off?"The book is divided into fascinating sections – Texas History and Random Facts, Texas Pop Culture, Texas Inventions, Ideas and More, Texas Sports – Football, Rodeo and More, Texas’s Unsolved Mysteries, supernatural and other Weird Facts, and Texas’s Wildlife, Science, and Other Cool FactsNot only is the book entertaining – it is also very instructive for every reader. Have fun, learn, and be ready for the next gathering of very smart friends! You’ll be on top. Grady Harp, February 18

A easy read as a homeschool mom this was a godsend for my young son who is not a fan of history. It's refreshing, 😁 informative and at some times humorous l may not get a history buff out of it but it sure makes tx history easier to teach

Dear Mr. O'Neill I recently purchased a copy of your "The Great Book Of Texas. I enjoyed it with one exception, that being the statement on page 6 crediting President Andrew Jackson with imposing the Union blockade of the South on June 1865. It was Andrew Johnson who had just been elevated to the presidency by Lincoln's assignation. Andrew Jackson was dead by this time. I authored a short article on the Palmito Hills Battle in May 1995 issue of "Texas Highways Magazine. Colonel Rip Ford the Confederate commander was quite a character. Keep your good works coming. Art Surovic, Colonel USAF (ret)/

Page 6 says President Andrew Jackson ended the union blockade after the civil war... He died in 1845 20 years prior and it should say Andrew Johnson ... Andrew Jackson was president from march 4 1829-march 4 1837 I am a history buff and got this book because I like history and thought it be fun to read... So far it's a good book except this detail

In Texas, Texas history was and I think still is a required subject in school. I feel very proud to have had that history at a younger age. This book gives so much of the little known facts of more past times and recent times and events and the" why how and who did that" Little things people do not know or have misconceptions about. I enjoyed this book, occasional typos but, I didn't care the book was interesting and at times I could not put it down. Very easy reading and you will not be bored. I don't care to read books but I had no issue at all reading this one! Thanks!